I have finally heard back from all the schools I am considering for undergrad. And I am considering accepting offers from either the University of Rochester or Hofstra University (both of which were in my top 3). I was wondering which would best prepare me for graduate school to obtain a PsyD, as I aim to become a clinical child psychologist? [Maybe even counseling child psychologist, I know that I want to do psychotherapy aka talk therapy]
I know that it will probably be necessary to obtain a master’s degree first, but if not, let me know, please. Also, note that I am most likely going to attend a different school for my PsyD
I understand that prestige probably has some impact, which I would assume would mean Rochester, but I just want to be certain, since I was concerned maybe Rochester is too research-focused for my desired career aspiration.
I am really struggling to pick which school to attend because I can see myself at both, so I was trying to get some more insight.
Why do you want to pursue a Psy.D and not a Ph.D? Have you explored the research opportunities at both schools? My immediate reaction is Rochester is overall a better school that is going to offer better opportunities for research, etc. I am a bit biased because I have a PhD in clinical psychology - feel free to PM me if you want more specific information about pursuits in this field. But of those 2 schools, IMO Rochester will better prepare you for grad opportunities in this field. There are many intricacies about preparing for grad school in this field that people who are not familiar with this field are likely unfamiliar with.
Which can you afford - as you’ll need to go to grad school.
Hofstra has a reputation of being a suitcase school - people leaving weekends.
Both are fine schools - which did you prefer when visiting?
If you look at top PhD schools for pscyh (not PSYd) per capita, you have names like Hampshire, New College Florida (1-2), a dn Hendrix in the top 10. Others like Ripon, Whitman, Austin College, Milsaps, Furman and more are top 50 per Capita. So I wouldn’t worry about prestige, etc. but I would about cost so you can save. Rochester does show u on the PhD list - but you are just at undergrad. It’s #38 total and #34 per capita. Hofstra doesn’t.
If this is your only concern about choosing Rochester, I would not see this as a major concern. The path you are talking about is a marathon not a sprint, you in fact do want a very solid foundational education, and you will also have plenty of opportunities along the way for practical experiences.
Even in a PsyD program, a research orientation can only help, not hurt. If your goal was to be a middle school guidance counselor, I’d say Hofstra is a fine choice (and I know several people who have gone there for similar type roles, doing both Master’s and PsyD for graduate school). But if Rochester is affordable, it’s going to be a superb launch pad. The grad programs are competitive! And your interests may change…. you could decide you’d like to take your interest in kids and team up with a group of pharmacologists and psychiatrists and geneticists studying ADHD in school age populations. Not instead of a career as a therapist, but in addition to…. those opportunities go to people with PhD’s! There are many PhD’s doing cool research in addition to their own private practice. If they are affiliated with a hospital system, they see clinical trials, grant proposals, etc. and the opportunity to help tens of thousands of kids in addition to one at a time is really potent.
All the advances in early intervention with autism for example- a multi-discipline approach needing the skills of many different types of practitioners from pediatricians, neuro-behavioral specialists, therapists of all stripes- etc.
At this point, I believe the OP is considering only Hofstra and University of Rochester for an undergrad degree in psychology. Honestly, there is no point in bringing other colleges into the discussion for this young student.
@Chloe13 Hofstra offers the PsyD but University of Rochester does not…as far as I can tell.
You will absolutely need at least a masters degree to meet your goals. I, too, wonder why you aren’t considering a PhD in psychology. I would suggest you at least research this option carefully.
Both schools can get you to your end game, but if we are voting, I vote for University of Rochester. It’s a research university, and that could end up being important to you as you progress through your studies. You will need to check your state for what is required for licensure to practice as a psychologist. It sounds like you want to do this independently, not (for example) as a school psychologist. The criteria in my state for school psychs is different than for clinical psychologists…in terms of their scope of practice.
I know you say you want to do “talk therapy” but, in my opinion, you should also get a strong background and training in assessments. These can be very important in terms of driving your actual therapy (which should be data driven in some way). I’m pretty sure that any reputable PsyD or PhD or masters program in psychology will require this as part if your course of study.
I agree with @blossom that you can probably achieve your goals from either of these two choices. But I also agree that Rochester has the potential to expose you to more varied options as you progress through your studies.